Bhubaneswar: After being praised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for her work in forest conservation and empowering local women through eco-tourism, Maithili Bhue of Odisha’s Debrigarh region on Sunday expressed her happiness and gratitude to the Prime Minister for recognising her efforts in his monthly radio programme, Mann Ki Baat.
Speaking to IANS, Bhue, a native of Dhodrokusum village in the Debrigarh region of Sundargarh district, said she comes from a financially disadvantaged family and initially supported her household by collecting and selling forest produce such as kendu leaves, bamboo shoots, mahua flowers and firewood.
In 2023, she began working at Debrigarh Eco-Tourism, where she found a new source of livelihood. Her work also inspired several women from nearby villages to join the eco-tourism initiative.
“When I joined Debrigarh Eco-Tourism in 2023, I earned a good income, and my family became financially stable. When other women in the locality saw our improved financial condition, they also became interested in working with Debrigarh Eco-Tourism,” Bhue said.
“I am extremely happy that Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned my name and appreciated my work in Mann Ki Baat. I sincerely thank him for recognising our efforts,” she said.
She added that she is currently training around 40 to 50 women in various aspects of eco-tourism and hospitality.
The women are being trained to interact respectfully with tourists, understand their needs and provide quality services.
They are engaged in different sectors, including souvenir shops, tea shops, restaurants, nature camps and homestays.
Bhue said the women work in different sectors and receive training according to their respective responsibilities.
“I want more women to become self-reliant and earn a livelihood through eco-tourism. I am training them so that they can confidently serve tourists and contribute to the development of Debrigarh,” she said.
Bhue once again thanked Prime Minister Modi for acknowledging her work and recognising the efforts of women working in Debrigarh Eco-Tourism.
Notably, PM Modi, in his monthly Mann Ki Baat radio programme, heaped praise on Bhue and her associates for their efforts in forest conservation.
